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IRL-wise, Good on ya, man; keep the world safe and thanks for everything you do. :-) Game wise, I enjoyed playing in Aris, and playing this character, so I'll certainly be hoping for another crack at things, but am glad just to have had a chance to work with so many fun players and great GM in a rad world like Aris. Stay safe, sir, and stay in touch!
"I agree it could take some time to thoroughly search the woods. Perhaps we can set up a camp and simply begin exploring? Sleep by day, explore at night, always keep a watch, until we find a worthwhile target or at least gain sufficient intelligence to allow us to find where worthwhile targets may be, if none are to be found here."
When the party regroups, Thral relays what he and Katani were able to glean from their brief jaunt into the woods. "Based on what the rest of us were able to find out, it seems as if that's our best bet for a starting point. Why don't we take a quick break to grab a bite at one of the local eateries then set out after dark. Our party works better at night..." here he glances significantly at Tristan "...and I would imagine the likelihood that we will find rebels moving about would increase tremendously after nightfall. What do you all think?"
Huge bummer, you will be missed, but I totally understand. Gotta have things tight before you can really cool out and game it up. Take care, hope to see you back soon!
Sprints followed by Bunny Hops, followed by Toe Taps, followed by Bunny Hop Pushups, followed by Medicine Ball Lunges, followed by Medicine Ball Squats, followed by Zig-Zag Sprints (or Jukes or Cross Sprints or whatever you call them. I call them Jukes.) followed by more Sprints. Then you lather, rinse, repeat 3 times, and finish it all up with a 2-Mile Run. Dayumn. Aptly named for a number of reasons, I reckon.
Huh...I thought it would have involved blood...Katani has a greater blood lust than Tristan does and it is part of his nature. ;) Also for DRA you still have an email from me. Yup! Got it. I'm just slower to reply while I'm at the day job 'cos I'm mobile. No GMail access through the proxy here. @Katani: I just hope you're not so busy flirting you miss some tracks or something. ;-)
Thral double-checks his gear and follows Katani towards the woods.
"I suppose we can split up, maybe just scout things out for now and then meet somewhere at nightfall to discuss our options. My natural tendency is to suggest that I visit the woods with Katani, even if just because I'll be more comfortable there. I can imagine Luc and Ninn would probably be much better at getting information from locals and people at temples than Katani and I would, anyway.
I'll be updating sometime today, guys and gals, as I've recently gone back to work after having two weeks of leave. Anyways, I'll try to update as soon as body stops aching from last night's workout smoke session our Flight Chief gave us. Heh. Word up. Hope your leave was fun. What's a Smoke Session?
Thral watches from the back of the party as the three women embrace and exchange words in a language he doesn't understand. In the end, they all seem quite happy, even Katani. Katani. Thral sighs. It did his heart good to see the fierce barbarian warrior happy; certainly she deserved it. He hated having to bring any kind of sadness to anyone's heart, especially a heart so scarred as hers, but his life's path is set for the time being, and he must walk the road laid before him. After that, indeed as he said to Katani not two minutes ago, who knew what the future held. Isaura only, he was sure. And, really... Thral thinks to himself Why me? Surely one as lovely and fierce as herself could find some strapping, hulking man more able to keep up with her. But then I suppose when the heart is involved, everything goes right into the breakers doesn't it? Absently, he takes Look-First out of its sheath and practices off-hand strikes as they walk. Part of the beauty of Þannig vindur is one can practice it while actively journeying since movement is an essential requirement for any given mynd to work. Spinning and swinging the short sword, he brings up the rear of the party, more than content to let Katani and Aria and Ninn lead the way.
Thral laughs softly. "I have no problem following someone who knows where they're going, as our friend Katani seems to." Thral smiles at the Dhampir. "As for master Arkenstol, any shiny ornament that can wield a sword like he does is fine with me."
Thral shrugs and falls into step with the others as Katani starts out and takes the lead. He rolls the maps back up into a small scroll case.
We could certainly use the arcane hitting power... that is something we are woefully lacking... I agree. Well, that's probably obvious, but still. :-)
Hey Ronin (and eveybody, actually); is Loren still joining back up? Haven't seen him. If not -- and hopefully this isn't presumptuous -- I have a good friend who is an awesome gamer and has been following this thread and really wants to get in on the action. She's one of my players in one of my IRL games so I can vouche that she really knows what she's doing and is a dynamite player. She's got a level 7 female elf sorcerer with the protean bloodline built and ready to rock, which could bring us some sweet, additional arcane firepower. She's already on the boards so if you're interested, just lemme know and I can have her make a profile. We could meet her en route to the lake or something, maybe. Anyway, just a suggestion/question, totally not trying to step on toes or anything if Loren is in fact coming back. Lemme know what y'all think.
With everyone assembled, Thral smiles at the group and starts walking. "I spent time looking over the map, friends, so I at least have the first part of the journey down. Let us begin!"
Thral regards the beautiful human. He smiles, and there is no coldness in his eyes, no rejection, just a certain...resignation. "Warrior Katani, it is wonderful to see you. I did not know it was you at my door last night. You flatter me unduly with your attentions. I am certain I am not deserving." As he speaks, Thral takes note of Ninn, Tristan, Aria, and Zero approaching. All that remains is Luc. I hope he will show up today... Looking back at Katani, he continues; "I am not offended by your ways, merely taken aback. I have long been away from civilization, working with a few companions in the deep woods of Tomo, and as such am unused to any mannerisms not found in that small group. You are indeed quite beautiful, a marvelous, er,'specimen', and a powerful warrior. I am glad to have you fighting at my side. But as to your other...needs...I fear I cannot currently satisfy them. You see, I am a Journeyman of Þannig vindur, the sacred martial art of my people, the Way of Wind, and the blood of Isaura runs in my blood. As a Journeyman, I must remain chaste for ten years; I may take no spouse, and lay with no one, until that time is done. I have four years left as a Journeyman, then I may return to take the tests, and if I pass I will be a master and may seek my own fortune wherever..." at this he claps his hand on Katani's shoulder in a comradely gesture, "...or with whomever that may be. So please. Take no offense at my demurrals, I do not think ill of you or your ways, as I said, I am glad to be in your company. As we adventure together and learn more, who knows what bonds may arise. But as I respect your ways, I ask that you respect mine. I must complete my term as Journeyman, or fully half of my life will have been wasted." He smiles warmly at the northlander, inclining his head. He then turns to greet the rest of the group, or at least those that have arrived. "Tristan and Zero, Aria, Ninn; excellent to see you all. Any word from our Templar friend?"
Thral, hearing footsteps pause outside his door, does not rise from bed, but electricity begins to crackle around his right hand, which he aims at the door. His elemental bloodline, conferred on his ancestors who-knew-how-many generations ago by Isaura, blessed him not only with speed and swiftness, but also with the elemental ability to generate lightning from his very body. Not knowing what threats may still be around in Ren, or who may have followed from the Great Hall, he had to be ready. Fortunately, after just a moment, the footsteps continue on, and Thral lets the lightning subside, arcing back through him and out into the atmosphere. He makes sure his swords are within grasping distance, and sleeps. The next day he rises, early as always, and after a quick breakfast heads into the city to get some supplies. Most are basic; trail rations, maps, blessed water and the like, but he also stops at the magic shop as directed by Nevas in order to procure a couple more healing potions. "Better safe than sorry." He says to himself. After making his purchases, Thral heads to the city gates just as the morning sun is clearing the horizon, in order to await his new companions.
Thral looks at Luc as he approaches, and takes in Katani's words. "I still vote for the lake. It seems better suited to what we have available to us, and perhaps we can make someone there talk and give us info on what underground organizations may exist at the tower here in Ren so we may approach that problem armed with a better understanding of what is involved." He finishes his drink and stands up. "If we're in agreeance, then I will meet you all at the gates in the morning, and we can begin our journey to the lake. In the meantime, I'm going to seek some supplies, and a room for the night." The half-elf nods to everyone and moves to leave.
Oh! Hah. Yeah, I DL'd the playtest last night, looks rad. I already have an IRL player running a tengu ninja based on the Dorkistan.com class, so it's interesting to compare the two.
Wait, what? What's going on?
Thral shakes his head. "I've no further inside information, Warrior Katani, but I do know that if the Tower is a suspected source of rebellion, then that means intrigue, teasing out the traitors, and that's something I've no talent for. A camp of rebels, on the other hand, is something my particular skillset is more suited to dealing with. But we've not heard from the others. What say you all? I'll gladly go along with what we all agree is wisest."
Thral smiles ruefully as Katani's silver tongue lashes out at the templar -- metaphorically, of course -- and the golden-armored warrior shakes his head in something like resignment. "Hello, Master Arkenstol. Glad you are able to join us. We're trying to decide where we should begin this mission, but thus far have only agreed that bottoms of empty tankards are a marvelous distraction, as I believe you yourself are implying. For my part, I do not know what it is you are being 'obvious' about, unless the gendarmes in this city are thought ill of, in which case we will make our stay here short so as not to cause trouble. As it stands, I'll let you finish your meal in peace, but if you could join us at the table, Master Nevas there, the elven fellow, may have some advice as he seems to know a bit about what's going on. At the very least the group of us can decide on our next move." The manners he learned while a young court guard and personal escort to a king having been long forgotten by years in the wild, Thral claps Luc hard on the shoulder in a comradely gesture, forgetting that while meant well, it's stil rude to do while someone is eating. Returning to Tristan's side, Thral leans in to the Dhampir and says "Dour though his mien is, Master Arkenstol has a point. We should at least agree on where we are going to start. There will be time in the future for drunkennes. Heh. I'll see to that!" He then leans in and whispers; Tristan:
"For now I fear our 'revenge' on the ladies will have to wait for a more opportune moment. Besides, I fear our Aasimar friend, Ninn, suspects something already." Thral then walks to the table, fresh drinks for everyone. As he hands drinks around, he speaks. "So. Having given the matter some thought, I would propose we take this night to rest and recover and assemble our belongings as necessary, then tomorrow meet at the city gates to strike out for Lake Meronia. I've no desire to tangle with a tower full of mages, such as this Marivelli Tower. What say the rest of you?"
Tristan: "Hahaa! I'm all for it, but they have swords and guns and spells at their command so whatever we do had better remain in good humor, eh? Have anything particular in mind?"
His eyes bugging out, Thral half-chokes on the mouthful of Ale he had just taken, his coughs giving way to uproarious laughter at what Aria has let slip. Or, 'slip.'
"Indeed, Lady Aria, indeed!" Thral raises his mug to Tristan, clinking glasses with the Dhampir. "Well met again, Sir 'Bat', it seems the ladyfolk would make sport of us both on this day, and how! Hahahahaaa! I believe to keep the fun going this curious 'Sir Kitten' is going to inquire at the bar about the possibility of getting another round for you all. I'll return shortly!" Thral drains his mug and walks back to the bar, getting wine for Tristan and Aria and Nevas (), mugs of ale for himself and Katani, and another whiskey for Ninn. On the way back he glances around for signs of Luc, or anything else interesting, just as an instinctive reaction to being in a crowded place.
"My name's not Kit-- oh never mind." Recognizing that battle to be lost, Thral instead raises his tankard to Ninn. "If this goes as most of my 'adventures' -- for lack of a better term -- have gone, there should be ample time for the purchasing of ales for each other, and ample reason." He smiles and has another drink. "Now, Nevas..." he starts, turning back to the elf "...as Ninn says, we should all like to know more of what you heard, and what may be on your mind as regards the information on the...well...'paperwork' that was handed out. I confess I'm at a loss as to where to begin, so any information or even opinions you might have in this regard would be most welcome."
Thral arches an eyebrow at the talking sword in Katani's lap, eyeing it warily. Then, after taking a drink, he inclines his head more deeply, politely, to the elf who had already been at the table. "Well met, Nevas. I thank you for allowing us to join you here. 'Saviors,' you say? Do you speak of the events at the Great Hall today, or some possible future event? If it's the former, then I am impressed at how fast word travels, though given how brazen an attack it was I confess I would not be surprised to learn word of it had spread rather quickly through the city." He takes another drink. "If it is of some future event you speak, I'd ask what information you had to offer. At least part of my goal in coming here was to take time to think over our next move after receiving our, well, our options, for lack of a better term, from the powers at be for elminiating this...rebellion? uprising? currently under way here in Ren."
Thral, having ordered drinks, brings them back to the table. He nods hello to the one stranger who had already been there as he passes drinks around to his companions.
Noting that Luc chooses to remain outside, Thral bellies right up to the bar in the Crimson Heart, feeling much more in his element. There is a brief pang as he recalls many enjoyable wasted nights having -- perhaps rather ill-advised -- drinking contests with his dwarven friend Ulf, the results of which neither of them could ever remember. He smiles to himself, then the memory passes and Thral calls out to anyone from the group who came with and who might be listening; "If the rest of you want to lay claim to that last table, I'll get the first round and bring it over. What'll you have?"
D'oh! Sorry. Didn't know the map link was broken. :-( Never mind!
Looking around for confirmation, Thral says to the newcomer, "I don't believe any of us wishes to claim them, actually, so we'll gladly sell them to you, friend. And thank you for the information!" Turning to the rest of the party, Thral switches back to the topic of ale. "The Crimson Heart sounds like a fine starting point to me. The biggest and best place I would wager would also have some information to help decide our next move."
Thral relaxes visibly. "Yes! Good drink, that would be marvelous. Hopefully everyone can come and we can figure out our next move. Where do we begin if we are to root out these...Enemies Of The State, for lack of a better term...?" After helping carry or divvy out whatever loot is worth it, Thral will begin heading for the door, with anyone else interested in coming along.
Thral, still nonplussed by Katani's attentions, is a bit pie-eyed. "Well, er, I myself am still exploring the city, having only just arrived today. I was hoping one of our companions would know a good bar, or, in lieu of that, we could strike out and see what fortune holds. In, uh, in the taverns that is. With...people in them. Other people. Around. All over." Turning to Tristan he says "I'm afraid I know as little of weaponsmiths in this city as I do good taverns. Maybe the search for one can lead to the other, unless any of the others have an idea? Ninn? Luc?"
Listening to the back-and-forth between Katani and Luc, Thral winces and shakes his head. They're as bad as Bella and Rhoval, in the old gang. he thinks to himself, remembering friends he had to leave behind in Tomo. Nonetheless, Thral is thankful the shapely barbarian's attentions are away from him for the moment. He has, after all, been in the woods for a long time. Noting her gesture of respect, turning her back to him -- a northern tradition not all would recognize -- Thral hopes she and Luc will be able to put aside their differences so they can both work in this group. She is a remarkable person, he thinks, and her power is obvious. She, too, could be a tremendous asset to this team. Warily, he eyes Katani's...familiar? Warbeast? Pet?, noting its flicking, forked tongue. His vision passing over the rest of the party he mutters to himself "...though I reckon Ninn should probably handle negotiations with innkeepers and the like. Any of the rest of us would inspire an immediate call for the constabulary." When Ninn waves him away from the prisoner so she can work, Thral steps back, sheathes Look-First and, after tearing a piece of cloth off one of his dead enemy's shirts, wipes down Glad-Of-War and sheathes it, as well. The Aasimar seems to know what she's doing, and this one won't be much of a threat. Hearing his name at the end of Luc and Katani's "discussion," Thral shoots his fellow northerner a smile and a bemused look at the pun on his name. "No, Katani, I call no one 'master.' Strictly speaking, I'm just a woodsman; owing no land allegiance, no kingdom fealty. I'm free to strike down what enemies I declare mine." He pauses. "Though I confess that currently the only enemy I'm interested in slaying is a mug of ale. I've been in this hall too long. What say the rest of you?"
Thral is, for a moment or two, speechless; a bit overcome by the presence of this astonishing woman. "I...uh...yes, the Glacier Wolf Horse clans are known to me. My tribe is from the Northern Deadlands of Gare, we are children of Isaura, who whistles her songs in the rocks on the cliffs by our villages." Thankfully turning back to business, he continues. "I do not know who our attackers were, and I saw the same Amethyst you did. They appeared to have some political motivation. Master Arkenstol! Templar!" Thral calls over to Luc. "Do you know anything about these would-be killers? Who are they?"
*adds steel-toed boots to equip list*
Oh man, don't sweat it, take what you will. I see no problem at all with a bunch of dual-wielders spinning and slicing their way through a battle together. That is HOTT! :-D
After deftly spinning away from the blast of arcane power that emanates out from the wizard, Thral feels enervated by a wave of celestial healing energy. He looks at the Aasimar who joined the battle just as it got underway and nods his thanks. He then follows her up to the lone enemy soldier not completely destroyed by the combined might of their group. Thral also makes eye contact with Luc, Aria, Tristan, and Zero, nodding thanks to each in turn for their skill and power. Still under the effects of Aria's spell, Thral zips up behind the enemy soldier as the Aasimar is healing him. He sets Glad-of-War's tip by the man's throat, and speaks to her. "I am called Thral, who would you be, who arrived at such an opportune time and threw your lot in with us? Whoever you are, I'm glad you came, and thank you for your help." Then, more quietly, he says "I do not believe this man will remain long in our possession. Anything you wish to learn from him, I'd wager you should learn quickly. Also, as I was close to him as it happened, I saw their mage grinning as he disappeared, and there was a strange, glowing amethyst about his neck. Does this mean anything to you?" Thral then eyes the latecomer, the barbaric-looking woman with so many scars and the terrifying animal companion. "And who would you be? Please, forgive my directness, though I see you are also from the northlands, as am I, and gather from your actions I may call you friend, much bitter experience has taught me not to assume such things. Are you friend or foe?"
Energized by the appearance of the lethal newcomer who, for the moment anyway, seems to be fighting by his team's side, Thral narrows his eyes and focuses on his connection to Isaura, his bloodline, and his mynd. He is thankful for Tristan's presence directly opposite him. The Dhampir's eerily quick movements and calm help him focus, and keep the enemy distracted, allowing him to press the advantage. "Enough of this." he states matter-of-factly, the flames on his blades leaving streaks as they whirl through the air, "You die now, and take your insults and warmongering with you, dogs." His fluid movements sped-up to supernatural speeds by Aria's spell, Thral's blades flash out, striking once, twice, thrice, four times; landing multiple blows on each of the enemies in front of him. He pauses at the completion of the mynd, awaiting the next threat, his magicked blades in attack position. Look-First is somehow still gleaming, the reflections in its blade giving a clear view of the room, and Glad-Of-War is thoroughly encrusted with gore and viscera from Thral's successful hits. "Aria, this spell is a gift! I thank you!" The half-elf calls out to his new friend. "Now let's finish their spellcaster and be done with this!
Severed Ronin is the GM.
Yikes! Ronin, my best to your friends, that's awful. :-(
Just want to say I'm really enjoying playing in this game and hope it goes on for a very long time. I really like how well everyone seems to be working together so well. +1 and agreed! :-)
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